Economics as a Profession: A Fireside Chat with Different Economists

Across the Economics Department, our faculty have a range of backgrounds and research specialties. At the same time, the Department–and the economics profession broadly–are still working to address longstanding problems with diversity and representation. Please join us for a conversation with four faculty members from the Department for a chat about their varied paths and approaches to economics.

All graduate and undergraduate students are encouraged to attend and bring questions! The discussion will be moderated by LJ Ristovska from Graduate Women in Economics (GWE) and Bonnie Liu from Harvard Undergraduates for Inclusion in Economics (HUIE).

Our distinguished panelists:

Professor Claudia Goldin is an economic historian and a labor economist. Her research covers a range of topics, including the female labor force, the gender gap in earnings, income inequality, technological change, education, and immigration. Among many accolades, Prof. Goldin is the 2020 recipient of the Erwin Plein Nemmers Prize in Economics “for achievement and work of lasting significance in the field of economics” and is the first woman to win this prize.

Professor Isaiah Andrews specializes in econometrics. His research focuses on developing methods for inference that are robust to common problems in empirical work, particularly on key challenges in economics, social science, and medicine. Among many accolades, Prof. Andrews is a 2020 MacArthur Fellow, popularly known as the Genius Award, which is given to “extraordinarily talented and creative individuals as an investment in their potential.”

Professor Melissa Dell focuses her research at the intersection of history, political economy and economic development, exploring the impact of the state and other institutions on development. Among many accolades, Prof. Dell is the 2020 recipient of the John Bates Clark Medal, awarded to an American economist under 40 who has “made the most significant contribution to economic thought and knowledge.”

Professor Stefanie Stantcheva studies the taxation of firms and individuals, exploring the long-run effects of taxes on innovation, education & training, and wealth. Among many accolades, Prof. Stantcheva is the 2020 recipient of the Elaine Bennett Research Prize, awarded every two years “to recognize, support and encourage outstanding contributions by young women in the economics profession.”